New Birch Tree Fortified and the Department of Education Launch "Me and My Milk" Advocacy

Kids need a healthy body and mind. Those are two of the best gifts you can give a child. Of course, let's also not forget the value of a good education because that will further ensure a brighter future. 

photo credit: MilkPEP (Milk Production Education Program)

Last July 22, New Birch Tree Fortified and the Department of Education launched an advocacy called "Me and My Milk" at the Department of Education Complex's Bulwagan ng Karunungan in Pasig City. The campaign encourages children to drink milk at home and in school.

Present during the event were DepEd Undersecretary Dina Ocampo, regional directors and other key officials of the Department as well as executives of Century Pacific Food Inc. and Marylindbert International. 

"We may gotten older, but we remain passionate about education," said Erlinda Legaspi, President and CEO of Marylindbert, who expressed full support for the project. 

Edwin Africa, VP and General Manager of Snow Mountain Dairy Corp., started his talk with a quote from Kofi Annan: "Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family."

Birch Tree brand ambassadors Richard Yap and Mutya Urquia

He shared that dairy consumption in the Philippines is lower than in other Asian countries. "We are privileged to partner with DepEd. We hope to contribute in the development of a strong citizenship [through the promotion of] milk drinking."

Mr. Africa explained that the Me and My Milk program will not only make sure to give young students milk during recess, they will also bring educational materials to benefit educators, parents, and students. Initially, the advocacy will be brought to the following areas in Luzon: National Capital Region (NCR), Central Luzon (Region 3), Calabarzon (Region 4A), and Ilocos (Region 1). 

Me and My Milk aims to encourage parents to see to it that their kids drink at least two glasses of milk a day. This is very possible with the New Birch Tree Fortified because it is not only a great tasting healthy drink, it is also made affordable so that moms can continue their children's milk drinking habit at home.

Usec. Dina Ocampo pointed out, "Encouraging mothers to let their kids drink milk instead of sugary or caffeine-filled beverages will help ensure that these children grow up to be productive and responsible citizens."

milk is a nutritionally loaded food drink

Indeed, a healthy body and mind are crucial to a child's future. As such, it is essential for kids to start early in getting the proper nutrition through the food that they it. One way to guarantee this is to let them drink milk regularly while they are young.

Milk is loaded with various nutrients and contains Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, and Protein that are needed for proper growth and development of teeth and bones. Apart from these, New Birch Tree Fortified is the only milk brand with FibroBoost, a unique set of nutrients fortified with Zinc, Vitamin C, and Iron. It is further enhanced with Inulin Fiber that's proven to help the body absorb up to 18% more calcium.

"Taking Calcium is not enough. We should ensure that it is properly absorbed by the body to reap its optimum benefits," added Leah Macalincag, Senior Product Manager of Birch Tree milk. "And because New Birch Tree Fortified has a great taste, we are positive that kids will continue to drink this milk."

"We hope we can make a dent in the fight against malnutrition," affirmed Christopher Po, CEO of Century Pacific Group.

education and milk advocates

The advocacy launch was made more lively by the presence of Birch Tree Fortified brand ambassadors Richard Yap and Mutya Urquia who played father and daughter in the highly popular TV series Be Careful With My Heart . The actor, entrepreneur, father, and husband revealed that part of his routine to sustain him with his different roles is a healthy diet, regular exercise, and drinking milk. 

"When I was a kid, I drank milk every day, once during breakfast and once before bed time. I give credit to my parents for instilling [my] milk-drinking habit, which I apply until today," said Yap. "Milk equips me with essential nutrients to help sustain my busy schedule."

This father of two revealed that he actually grew up drinking Birch Tree because it was the only milk he liked. "I encourage all parents to start your kids young with milk drinking. Now, there's new Birch Tree Fortified Milk. It tastes great and is affordable. Nutrition is made accessible with this new product."

For those who need to be reminded, there are a lot of health benefits from drinking milk: increased bone strength, smoother skin, stronger immune system, prevention of illnesses such as hypertension, obesity, and osteoporosis.

New Birch Tree Fortified is manufactured by Snow Mountain Dairy Corp., a subsidiary of Century Pacific Food Inc. It also carries brands such as Angel Evaporada, Angel Condensada, Home Price Sinigang Mix, and Kaffe de Oro coffee, among others. New Birch Tree Fortified is now available at leading supermarkets, groceries, and market stalls nationwide.